Season Preview – Part 1: The Departing

The future`s certainly super white, but is it really bright? With a number of first team players out of contract this summer, is simple tinkering all that is needed, or do the rovers need a complete re-build? This article will be the first in a series tackling the many important questions currently at the forefront of most rovers` fans minds. Today the issue being tackled will be the players whose contracts are coming to an end. It will aim to sum up their influence on the squad, how it can be replaced, or if they should be kept.

Adios

Robbie Stockdale – Perhaps the most influential player who will be departing. For the whole of the season, only Paul McLaren played more minutes for the rovers. An ever dependable right back, who looked comfortable 99% of the time. Possibly the best tackler in the squad, with good tracking back skills. However, as well as being an asset, being dependable may also be his downfall. When going forward, he adds very little to an attack. He does not enjoy going on the overlap, and will always look for an easy option when in possession of the ball. However at this level, you have to argue that it may be difficult to find a complete full back. Robbie added a lot of assurance at the back, and one would hope that Ronnie Moore did everything in his power to keep hold of him, especially considering the lack of back up available to him for next season.
Should he have gone? NO

John Mullin – The release of John was an expected decision, with little time spent on the pitch, whether it being down to his fitness, or just that he was down the pecking order. Despite a good first season with the club, many fans won`t be shedding a tear over his departure, after a second season with little to show. Being one of the rovers top earners, most Tranmere fans will welcome this decision, and hope that a better replacement is brought in, who may provide more of a challenge to the current central midfield pairing.
Should he have gone? YES

Mike Jones – Mike Jones is a player who is frequently mentioned amongst fans as a “prospect”. He has been put in this category for two years now and perhaps, he should have shown more in the here and now. However, is he to blame for this? With Ronnie giving little chance to youngsters this season, he had little chance to shine. On the occasions he was given a chance he seemed to do okay, with a sterling performance against Hereford, which arguably turned the first leg, and a goal against Oldham. However he also put in some pretty normal performances. Personally, i would have given the lad another year, a year with real chance. However, if the small amount of wages saved is enough to help fund a better player, then arguably this is the right decision. The jury is out on Jones, and many Rover fans seem to be of the same mind. We`ll see where he is in a year or two.
Should he have gone? UNSURE

Michael Johnstone – Surely one of the best prospects at Tranmere. A brilliant season on loan with Bangor, sealing them a place in Europe through the welsh cup as well as bagging two personal awards. As if winning club player of the season wasn`t enough, he then went on to win the best player in Wales award as well. A great achievement considering his age and the un-glamorous position in which he plays. What more could you expect from a player when you send him out on loan? The decision to release him seems a strange one, with Michael being of such talent and so young and presumably barely nibbling at the wage budget. Let`s hope this decision doesn`t come back to haunt us.
Should he have gone? NO

Going, Going…… Gone?

Steve Davies – With the news of his apparent failure to sign a new contract this week, one can on presume that he is on his way out. With Leeds strongly linked to him and more recently Charlton, surely he`ll be on his way as under no circumstances could we compete with those two clubs when it comes to money. Despite very little time spent on the pitch last year due to injury, when he did play, he showed his class. None more so that when he curled a beautiful free kick into the top corner against Yeovil in the sixth minute of time added on. When his age is taken into account as well, we can only hope that Ronnie has done everything possible to hold onto him.
Should he go? NO

Steven Jennings – The strong tenacious midfielder is in the same boat as Steve Davies when it comes to signing a new contract. When the news broke last week about his non-signing of a new contract many Tranmere fans hearts will have sank. Still in his early twenties, and a seasoned member of the first team, he could be a real asset for us over the next few years. Many believe him to be of championship quality, and this may play a big part in whether he stays or goes. Will not starting the final game of the season affect his decision? If he signs a new contract, then he will be one of the players around which the squad will be built.
Should He GO? NO

Will He, Won`t He

Paul McLaren – No news yet on the signing of Paul McLaren despite his contract being up in a months time. His partnership with Jenno at the heart of the team should be kept in mind when deciding on his future. A quality player, no doubt about it, but does he have the temperament to get Tranmere out of this league. Many a time, he seems to drift in and out of games, before finally turning it on shortly after the hour mark. The passing triangles he creates are a joy to watch and one can only hope that if he signs a new contract he can play for 90 minutes, not just the final third. Whether or not he signs a new contract should depend on the wages he is currently commanding and who could replace him. He is certainly an asset, but do we need better if we are to succeed at this level.
Should he go? UNSURE

Shane Sherriff – Shane is certainly a jack of all trades, but has he actually mastered a position. If not then signing a new contract should hinge on his happiness about sitting on the bench. Naturally he is a defender, but with Taylor looking so strong at LB, and Goodison commanding one CB position, the only place up for grabs is the second CB role. Is he better than Chorley, will Kay play in midfield? The answers to these questions are debatable and however they are answered should depend on whether he stays or not. I`d certainly have him as a bench player, but not sure about him in a starting berth, despite having an impressive cross on him. So, again, it all boils down to the wages he is demanding.
Should he go? UNSURE